Abraham Lincoln statue in Lincoln Park defaced with anti-colonizer graffiti

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A statue of Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln Park was targeted by anti-colonizer activists Monday.

The group dumped red paint on the statue and spray painted "Avenge the Dakota 38" on the ground.

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The graffiti messages 38 Native Americans who were hanged by the United States government in 1862 over a land dispute in what is now Minnesota.

President Lincoln approved the death sentences.

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Chicago police are investigating the vandalism. No one is currently in custody.